Chris Hughes and Olivia Attwood might have split up last month but they were forced into an awkward reunion today at Cheltenham race course.

The former couple grimaced as they posed for pictures as part of a paid promotion with Coral the bookmakers.

The Love Island stars signed the deal before they split and are contractually tied into the commitment.

So instead of blocking each other on social media like normal exes, they had to work together to select the 'best turned out' racehorse participating in The Coral Cup and hand out trophies to the winners.

But as they posed for photos the exes kept their distance - choosing not to hug or link arms.

Chris Hughes and Olivia Attwood are reunited at Cheltenham races (Image: David Sims/WENN.com)

They stood awkwardly apart (Image: David Sims/WENN.com)

(Image: PA)

Despite the cold, Olivia dialled up the sex appeal in a pair of tight leather trousers and over-the-knee boots.

She carried a Chanel handbag and wore a Burberry scarf and Barbour jacket to keep out the chill.

Meanwhile, Chris dressed down in light jeans with a shirt and jumper layered under a padded jacket.

The pair looked miserable (Image: REX/Shutterstock)

They kept a smile plastered on their faces while doing their work commitments (Image: David Sims/WENN.com)

Chris hinted that a reunion might be on the horizon for the pair as he shared a Mother's Day tribute to Olivia on behalf of their plastic baby Cash Hughes.

After being bombarded by messages, Chris felt the need to explain his actions.

"Listen, we aren't together but I still support her like I would have before. If things change, things change. Time will tell. There's no malice or hate, that doesn't always have to happen when people split, you know.

"We had a rollercoaster ride, and she deserves recognition," fired Chris.

Last week the pair were accused of faking their break-up to promote new reality show 'Crackin' On.'

Chris tries to chit chat with Olivia but she doesn't look interested (Image: David Sims/WENN.com)

They awkwardly posed for a selfie with a fan (Image: David Sims/WENN.com)

Fans spoke of their suspicions when the pair were seen together watching the first episode.

However a source close to Chris said their split is the real deal and not just a publicity stunt to pull in viewers.

"They really wanted to watch the first episode together as it was their show as a couple," the source told The Sun.

"They’re still very close and although they chose not to promote the series together they have remained friends."